Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will come to the issue of the future of Brexit. After the Order of Business, the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges will meet to discuss an extension of the Brexit committee. Although it may not be possible, I will endeavour to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, come to the House on Brexit tomorrow or on Thursday. The issue is one of availability. All Senators recognise that a no-deal Brexit is not a good scenario and I know that the Tánaiste is doing everything he can for it to be avoided.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of the portrait gifted to the Speaker of the House of Commons. It is a matter that can be taken up by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We can use it to raise this issue.

It seems that the Department of Justice and Equality is dealing with a significant amount of legislation in the House. I do not know why that is so, but I assure the Senator that we certainly do not endeavour to deal only with legislation brought forward by that Department.